You spend your vacations in Morocco and you wonder what to do in Nador? Discover with us the 11 must-sees of the city and its surroundings!
Nador is a Mediterranean city located in the northeast of Morocco, in the region of the Oriental Rif. It is not yet a very touristy city, although its airport is the largest and most important in the region. Its economy is based mainly on fishing and aquaculture, even before tourism or other areas. In this city you will find great beaches, bordering with azure waters and great places to relax! You will also be able to go to many local restaurants to enjoy the local food. Of course, that's not all. Nador is also a city full of places to visit, both modern and historical.. And if you stray a little bit from the city center, you can even go hiking in the nearby mountains.
Want to discover the wonders of the city while you are visiting Nador? Here are the 11 must-do things to do in Nador!
1. The lagoon of Nador
Nador Lagoon, also called Mar Chica, is the lagoon along the Mediterranean coast of Nador. It is almost isolated from the sea by its very small opening and has an area of almost 115 km².
It is a beautiful place to visit if you are wondering what to do in Nador. You will find many beaches, each more beautiful than the other, but also a large number of walks. They are on the lagoon, but also on the surrounding heights.
2. Hiking in Gourougou
Located near the Nador lagoon, Mount Gourougou belongs to the Eastern Rif. With a rather low summit, culminating at 800 meters above sea level, it is a protected place, but popular for hiking.
Several hiking trails starting from Nador, but also the surrounding towns. You will be able to admire the incredible biodiversity of the place, especially from March to June, when the vegetation is luxuriant. It is not uncommon to harvest some aromatic plants such as thyme, mint or rosemary. Once on top, feel free to take some beautiful pictures of the mountain and its surroundings! You will see, the view is breathtaking.
3. Kasbah De Selouane
Were you wondering what to do in Nador to appreciate the historical value of the place? Kasbah De Selouane is the place to go! It is an ancient fortification located in the province of Nador, in Selouane to be precise. It dates back to the 17th century and was built during the reign of Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif, an Alaouite sultan.
You will be able to walk in the alleys of the city inside the ramparts. During the walk you will see many stone structures dating back several centuries, as well as some remains. A true return in time awaits you! It is a place to see when you choose to visit Nador.
4. The church of Santiago el Mayor
Do you like churches? Know that there is something to see when you visit Nador! The Santiago el Mayor Church is one of the few Christian monuments in the city. It was built in the 20th century with eclectic architecture mixing several styles.
You can see its nave and the various false chapels built to give the impression of grandeur. Moreover, once inside, you can admire the antique furniture that adorns the place. There are also many religious elements such as paintings and murals.
5. The Cape of the Three Forks
Wondering what to do in Nador and its surroundings? Why not take a walk to the Cape of the Three Forks? It is located 25 km from the city center and can be reached by renting a car in Nador.
This place is not very popular with tourists, which promises you a quiet moment away from the tourist facilities. This place is very wild and appreciated for camping during the most beautiful months of the year.
You will be able to find some small local villages, but no hotel in the surroundings. So it is the perfect place for nature lovers! And for those who want to take a step back from their current way of life, it is also a great place.
6. The souks of Nador
Like any city in Morocco, Nador has beautiful and diverse souks to visit. Admittedly, they are not as important as the souks of Marrakech, but they are still worth the detour! The most popular bazaars are Oulad Mimoun and Al Murekeb.
This is the must-do for anyone wishing to visit Nador! You will find in these places an explosion of flavors, smells, and colors. Stroll through the lively streets of the bazaars and discover spices, food and local handicrafts.
7. The cornice of Nador
The cornice of Nador is a platform along the lagoon of the city. There, you can walk around to enjoy the sea view! The best time is in the early evening when the illuminations of the city are reflected in the water. Of course, the cornice has much more to offer. You will find many merchants, but also restaurants, where you will have the opportunity to try the best local cuisine.
8. Ifri N'Ammar Cave
Located outside the city, the cave of Ifri N'Ammar is a must to do when you want to visit Nador. It is a cave with plenty of evidence of the Paleolithic era. Painting on the wall, footprints, this is the perfect place for archaeology lovers and the curious!
9. Jebel Ouichane
Located not far from Nador, Jebel Ouichane is a 674 meters high mountain. It is populated, but remains an ideal place for hiking or camping..
A bit like Gourougou, but less known, this mountain has great biodiversity. You can not only admire the fauna and flora, but also collect aromatic herbs. Nevertheless, what remains the most impressive is the panoramic view of the region. This will allow you to take beautiful pictures!
10. Ras El Ma Beach
Ras el-Ma, also called Cap de l'Eau, is a small town in the province of Nador. Quieter than the city of Nador, and yet very close to it, Ras El Ma has beautiful beaches. The advantage is that few tourists visit this area. So you can lie on the sand or enjoy walks along the cliffs bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
11. Other things to see in Nador
Wondering what to do in Nador, among other things? Then here are some ideas for visits and activities in or near the city:
- Enjoy the red beach
- Lodging in the city of Atalayoun
- Walking on the beach Kariat Arkmane
- Quad riding at the beach of Boqueronesa
- Take a boat trip on the lagoon of Nador
